Princess Academy

Palace of Stone

Miri returns to Asland and calls upon all of her knowledge of rhetoric and other useful lessons learned at the Princess Academy when she and the other girls face strong opposition while working for a new, fair charter.

Comment

This lacked the drama of the mysterious Mount Eskel setting (which I found so compelling in 'Princess Academy') but it's still a great read : I'll be downloading the final eBook instalment to find out what the amazing Miri does next.

A great book from the Princess Academy trilogy. A good continuation for the first book. I liked the first two books in the trilogy by Shannon Hale. The third book might be a little boring. However, this book and it's prequel are very good. It is hard to keep the book down till you are done.

This book... well, to be honest, I found it a little disappointing. It does, in some regards, pale in comparison to the first book. The setting, for one, I find less attractive. I find that I have become attached to Moutn Eskel, and I was a slight bit disgruntled to find the change in scenery. The quote "Evil" characters were a bit bland and too obvious, which took away from the story, and the romance-esque thing that developed between Miri and that shady scholar was one that I found both distasteful, and unnecessary. The relationships between the couples were too gushy and unrealistic, and the dialogue became more, how to say it... ah, yes--Cheesy-- in some places. I think overall the books lost quite a bit of their initial charm and quality. However, I do think they retained enough of it to still be an amusing and worthwhile way to pass the time. Though the pull was not quite as strong, I was still greatly compelled to keep turning the pages in this much awaited sequel.

Princess Academy Palace of Stone was a slight disappointment compared to the first novel in this series. This sequel was pretty violent and had different themes such as right vs. wrong, where to put your trust, and traitors in the mix. Friendship and romance was a big part of this book also. Mrs. Hale did do a great job making this book suspenseful and exciting. I would recommend this book for girls that are slightly older if you read the first book, Princess Academy, because of the romance and violence.

Friendship is more than love and is cherished above your own life. Hale brings to readers a story that is full of deep emotion and beautiful poetry. The story shows what friendships should be like; holding a hand, forgiving and loving unconditionally. Miri and Peda's relationship endure challenges and blossom into promises of the future. For Miri a kingdom is nothing if it doesn't change and adapt to the people's needs. Miri helps to usher in a new era and make history happen when she decides that she wants the best of both worlds. A princess story for the history books.

From a 2015 Summer Reading Club book review: This book is about Miri and her friends from the princess academy when they are invited to Asland for Britta's wedding. My favourite part is when the people of Asland decide that they like Britta and she is happy. Five stars! - Marina (10)

blue_dolphin_1558
Jun 21, 2015

There are too many good things to say about Shannon Hale and all her stories! I knew I would love this book after reading the first couple pages! If you are looking for an enchanting story with both action and some romance, this is the book for you. Just make sure to read book one in the trilogy first of course!